Leaden Boot Challenge

Test your endurance in the heart of the Peak District at the Leaden Boot Challenge, a classic 26.2-mile walk/run held on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Starting from the historic village of Alstonefield, this unique community event offers a truly demanding and scenic route with 4,800 feet of ascent and descent across the stunning Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales. Far more than a race, it was originally conceived to fund the restoration of a village church roof and has grown into a vital local fundraiser, donating over £60,000 to community causes and embodying a powerful spirit of grassroots support. Participants can choose to tackle the marathon-distance loop as either a runner chasing a fast time or a walker embracing a full-day challenge, supported by six well-stocked checkpoints and a generous 12-hour time limit. The route is a masterclass in Peak District beauty, taking in iconic locations like Dovedale, Ilam Rock, Ecton Hill, and the River Manifold while traversing quiet farmland and dales. The finish line rewards all successful participants with a locally made hot meal, a certificate, and a coveted cloth badge, celebrating their achievement in true community style. It's an authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding event that connects participants directly with the landscape and people of the White Peak, making it a treasured fixture for fell runners and long-distance walkers alike.